Welcome to a glimpse into Russia, the world’s largest country, officially known as the Russian Federation. Covering over 17 million square kilometers and spanning two continents—Europe and Asia—Russia is home to around 144 million people. Governed from the capital, Moscow, the country operates as a federation with Russian as its official language and the ruble as its currency. With its vast landscapes, including the Urals and Altay mountain ranges, and major rivers like the Volga and Lena, Russia’s diverse geography and rich cultural history make it a compelling topic of exploration.

Facts about Russia

Official Name: Russian Federation

• Form of Government: Federation
• Capital: Moscow
• Population: 144,125,000
• Official Language: Russian
• Currency: Ruble
• Area: 17,075,200 square kilometers
• Major Mountain Ranges: Ural, Altay
• Major Rivers: Amur, Irtysh, Lena, Ob, Volga, Yenisey

Russia: Geography and Landscape

As the world’s largest country, Russia occupies one-tenth of all the land on Earth. Spanning across 11 time zones and two continents (Europe and Asia), Russia has shores on three oceans: the Atlantic, Pacific, and Arctic Oceans.

The Russian landscape is incredibly diverse, ranging from sandy and frozen deserts to towering mountains and vast marshes. Much of the country is characterized by rolling, treeless plains known as steppes. Siberia, which covers three-quarters of Russia, is predominantly covered by expansive pine forests called taigas.

Russia’s vast territory is crisscrossed by approximately 100,000 rivers, including some of the longest and most powerful in the world. Notable lakes include Ladoga and Onega (Europe’s largest lakes) and Lake Baikal, which contains more water than any other lake on Earth.

Russia’s Wildlife and Nature

Given its immense size, Russia boasts a rich variety of ecosystems and species. Its diverse habitats support rare animals like the Asiatic black bear, snow leopard, polar bear, and the pika, a small, rabbit-like mammal. The Siberian tiger, the largest cat in the world, is native to Russia’s eastern forests. These endangered giants can reach over 3 meters in length and weigh up to 300 kilograms.

Russia established its first national parks in the 19th century. However, unregulated pollution has impacted many natural areas. To address this, strict nature reserves, known as zapovedniks, have been set up to protect and restore the country’s natural beauty.

History of Russia

Human settlements in Russia date back to around A.D. 500, with Scandinavians moving south to the upper Volga River region. These early settlers mixed with Slavs from the west, creating a fortress that would become Kiev. Kiev evolved into an empire that controlled much of European Russia for 200 years before breaking into Ukraine, Belarus, and Muscovy. Moscow, initially a small trading post, gained prominence in the 13th century due to Mongol invasions driving people to settle there.

In the 1550s, Muscovite ruler Ivan IV declared himself Russia’s first tsar after unifying the region and expelling the Mongols. Peter the Great, who became tsar in 1682, worked for 42 years to modernize Russia and bring it closer to European standards.

The Russian Revolution of 1917 overthrew the tsarist government, leading to the Bolshevik seizure of power and the creation of the Soviet Union. The USSR fought alongside the United States in World War II, but relations soon soured, leading to the Cold War. The Soviet Union dissolved in 1991, marking the end of the Cold War.

Russian People and Culture

Russia is home to about 120 ethnic groups and over a hundred languages. Approximately 80% of Russians are descendants of the Slavs who settled in the region about 1,500 years ago. Other significant groups include the Tatars and Ukrainians.

Russia is renowned for its cultural contributions, with famous figures such as writers Leo Tolstoy and Fyodor Dostoevsky, composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, and ballet dancer Rudolf Nureyev.

Russian Economy and Government

Russia’s democratic history is relatively short. The first election in 1917 was quickly overturned by the Bolsheviks, and true democracy was not established until the election of Boris Yeltsin in 1991. Today, Russia is a federation consisting of 86 republics, provinces, territories, and districts governed from Moscow. The head of state is an elected president.

The Russian economy is heavily reliant on its natural resources, including oil, coal, iron ore, gold, and aluminum. Despite its vast reserves, Russia has been slow to embrace renewable energy sources.

1. Russia is Enormous

Russia isn’t just big; it’s colossal. Spanning two continents—Europe and Asia—its surface area is a staggering 17.13 million square kilometers. That’s even larger than Pluto, which measures just 16.7 million square kilometers. So, if you’re trying to decide where to live in this massive country, check out our guide to the best Russian cities for expats.

2. Red Square’s Name Isn’t Political

Despite popular belief, Moscow’s iconic Red Square wasn’t named for any communist ties. The name comes from the Old Church Slavonic word “Красный” (krasny), meaning ‘beautiful,’ rather than the modern Russian word for red. This naming dates back to the 19th century and reflects the square’s aesthetic rather than its political history.

3. Calendar Switch in 1918

Russia didn’t adopt the Gregorian calendar until February 1918, well after many European countries made the switch in the 16th century. This delay caused the Russian Empire to miss the 1908 Olympic Games in London by 12 days!

4. The US and Russia Are Neighbors

Even though they were ideological opponents for much of the 20th century, Russia and the United States are separated by just 4 kilometers of water. The Bering Strait’s Little Diomede Island belongs to the US, while Big Diomede Island (Остров Ратманова, Ostrov Ratmanova) is Russian. The islands straddle the International Date Line, making Big Diomede almost a day ahead.

5. First Human in Space Was Russian

Yuri Gagarin, the famed cosmonaut, was the first human to journey into space in 1961. If you’re wondering about the difference between an astronaut and a cosmonaut: astronauts are trained by NASA or similar agencies, while cosmonauts are trained by the Russian Space Agency.

6. A Forest Giant

Russia is home to one-fifth of the world’s trees, totaling about 643 billion. Nearly 45% of the country is covered in forest, particularly in the taiga, which houses species like the Siberian tiger and wild boars. However, these forests face threats from deforestation and fires, so conservation efforts are crucial.

7. Freshwater Treasure

Lake Baikal in Siberia is not only the world’s deepest lake but also holds about 20% of the world’s freshwater. It often freezes in winter, allowing adventurous travelers to drive across it—if you have the right permits and a guide, of course.

8. Saint Petersburg’s Underground Wonders

Saint Petersburg’s Metro system is one of the deepest in the world. For example, Admiralteyskaya (Адмиралтейская) station features some of the highest escalators globally, stretching 68.6 meters (225.07 feet). It takes around two and a half minutes to ride from top to bottom!

9. Language Diversity

While Russian is the most widely spoken language, the country is incredibly linguistically diverse. The Ministry of Science and Higher Education reports that Russians speak at least 270 languages and dialects, including major foreign languages like German and native ones such as Tatar and Chechen.

10. Historical Clock in Saint Petersburg

In Saint Petersburg’s Winter Palace, there used to be a clock stopped at 02:10 on October 26, 1917, marking the moment Russia became communist. In 2017, the Hermitage Museum held a ceremony to restart the clock, symbolizing a new chapter in Russian history.

11. Hermitage’s Feline Residents

The Hermitage Museum in Saint Petersburg has around 70 cats, a tradition dating back to 1745 when Empress Elisabeth invited them to control rodents. You can even adopt a Hermitage Cat through a special website!

12. A Psychic Cat?

Achilles, one of the Hermitage’s cats, gained fame for his supposed ability to predict football match results. During the 2018 FIFA World Cup, Achilles correctly predicted the winners of the first four matches by choosing between bowls of food with team flags.

13. Stalin’s Popularity

Interestingly, about 70% of Russians today view Josef Stalin positively. This surprising trend may be due to how some people romanticize his role in history, while others believe the current government highlights the Soviet past while downplaying the associated human costs.

14. Europe’s Only Buddhist Region

Kalmykia, in southwest Russia, is the only Buddhist region in Europe. The Kalmyk people, originally from Asia, were deported by Stalin but returned after his death. Today, Kalmykia features stunning Buddhist temples and religious ceremonies.

15. Chess City in Kalmykia

Elista, Kalmykia’s capital, boasts Chess City, built to host the 33rd Chess Olympiad in 1998. This unique complex includes a chess museum, a giant chessboard, and a Buddhist art museum. Although it’s now somewhat underused, it remains a fascinating part of Kalmykia.

16. European Population Majority

Although Asian Russia makes up 77% of the country’s landmass, less than a quarter of the population lives there. This discrepancy is due to historical, geopolitical, and climatic factors that make European Russia more attractive for settlement.

17. Fossil Fuel Powerhouse

Russia is a major global supplier of fossil fuels, providing 27% of the EU’s crude oil imports, 41% of its natural gas, and 47% of its solid fuel. Despite being a top oil producer, Russia has not yet fully embraced renewable energy.

18. Lake Karachay’s Pollution

Lake Karachay, in the Southern Ural mountains, is considered one of the most polluted places on Earth. Radioactive waste dumped here in the 1950s makes it extremely hazardous, with radiation levels high enough to be fatal within an hour.

19. World’s Largest Squirrel Collection

Pavel Gerasimov from Moscow holds the record for the largest squirrel-themed collection, with over 1,100 items. His collection includes squirrel figurines in various shapes and sizes, from golden ones to antiques.

20. Low Alcohol Consumption

Despite its vodka reputation, Russians drink less alcohol compared to many other countries. In recent years, the average annual alcohol consumption has decreased significantly. Russians now rank 33rd globally for per capita alcohol consumption, less than many European neighbors.

21. Tea Lovers

Russians rank fifth in the world for tea consumption. Although tea first arrived in Russia in the 17th century and was quite expensive, it’s now a common beverage. Guests are often served tea with biscuits, honey, or jam.

22. Gender Life Expectancy Gap

Russian women live, on average, 10 years longer than men. As of recent statistics, women’s life expectancy is 76.43 years, while men’s is 66.49 years. This gap has narrowed over the past decade, partly due to high alcohol consumption among men.

23. Trans-Siberian Railway

The Trans-Siberian Railway is the world’s longest railway, stretching 9,288 kilometers. It takes about six days to travel from Moscow to Vladivostok, passing through stunning landscapes, including Lake Baikal.

24. Beard Tax by Peter the Great

In the early 18th century, Peter the Great imposed a tax on beards as part of his efforts to ‘Europeanize’ Russia. This move was inspired by his admiration for European fashion, though it was unpopular among many, especially the Orthodox Church.

25. Tallest Statue of a Woman

Volgograd’s Motherland Calls statue stands at 85 meters, making it the tallest statue of a woman in the world. Erected to commemorate the Battle of Stalingrad, it was the tallest statue globally when completed in 1967.

26. Russia’s Long Rivers

The Volga River, at 3,690 kilometers, is Europe’s longest river. However, the Lena River, at 4,294 kilometers, holds the record as Russia’s longest river. The Ob-Irtysh river system, stretching 5,410 kilometers, is even longer if considered as one.

27. Coldest Permanent Settlement

Oymyakon, in the Sakha Republic, holds the title for the coldest permanently inhabited place on Earth. Winter temperatures average around -50°C, with a record low of -71.2°C.

28. Kizhi Island’s Wooden Churches

Kizhi Island in Lake Onega features a collection of stunning wooden churches, some dating back to the 14th century. Built without nails, these structures are now part of a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its architectural beauty.

29. Visiting Lenin

Lenin’s Mausoleum at Red Square allows visitors to see the preserved body of the former Soviet leader. Funded initially by the Soviet Union and later the Russian government, the mausoleum remains a significant historical site.

30. Warm Russian Hospitality

Many expats find the people of Russia to be incredibly warm and welcoming. Whether you’re learning Russian or just exploring, you’re likely to make friends quickly who will invite you to their homes and share their culture with you.

31. World’s Largest Art Museum

The State Hermitage Museum in Saint Petersburg is one of the largest and oldest art museums in the world. It houses over 3 million items, including works by Rembrandt, Michelangelo, and Leonardo da Vinci.

32. Lake Baikal

Lake Baikal is home to the Baikal seal, the only freshwater seal species in the world. These seals have adapted to the lake’s icy waters and are a unique feature of this ancient body of water.

33. Moscow’s Metro Stations

Many of Moscow’s Metro stations are renowned for their beauty and historical significance. Stations like Komsomolskaya and Mayakovskaya feature intricate mosaics, chandeliers, and stunning architecture.

34. Tsar Bell and Tsar Cannon

The Tsar Bell and Tsar Cannon, both located in the Kremlin, hold records for their size. The Tsar Bell is the largest bell in the world by weight, and the Tsar Cannon is one of the largest cannons ever made.

35. Trans-Siberian Railway Stops

The Trans-Siberian Railway has several notable stops, including Irkutsk, which is near Lake Baikal, and Vladivostok, a major port city on the Pacific Ocean.

36. The Russian Space Program

Russia’s space program was the first to achieve many milestones, including launching the first artificial satellite, Sputnik 1, in 1957. The Russian space agency continues to be a key player in space exploration.

37. Cultural Diversity

Russia is home to over 190 ethnic groups, each with its own unique culture and traditions. This diversity is reflected in the country’s rich cultural heritage, including music, dance, and cuisine.

38. Ruble’s Historical Value

The Russian ruble is one of the oldest currencies in the world. It has been used since the 13th century, making it a significant part of Russian economic history.

39. Arctic Exploration

Russia has a strong presence in the Arctic region and is actively involved in Arctic exploration and research. The Northern Sea Route, which runs along Russia’s Arctic coast, is becoming increasingly important for global shipping.

40. Lake Ladoga

Lake Ladoga, located near Saint Petersburg, is the largest lake in Europe by surface area. It plays a significant role in the region’s ecology and has historical importance due to its role in World War II.

41. World’s Largest Museum of Military History

The Central Museum of the Great Patriotic War, located in Moscow, is one of the largest military history museums in the world. It features extensive exhibits on Russia’s involvement in World War II.

42. Winter Sports Hub

Russia is a prominent player in winter sports and has hosted major events like the Winter Olympics in Sochi in 2014. The country has a strong tradition in ice hockey, figure skating, and skiing.

43. Unique Architecture

The wooden architecture of Siberia, including the traditional wooden houses and churches, is a unique feature of Russian architectural heritage. These structures often include intricate carvings and are adapted to the harsh climate.

44. Vast Deserts

Russia is home to the Kysylkum and the Karakum deserts. These arid regions are located in the southern part of the country and contrast sharply with Russia’s typically cold climate.

45. Russian Holidays

Russia celebrates a variety of traditional holidays, including Victory Day on May 9, which commemorates the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany in World War II. The holiday is marked by large military parades and celebrations.

46. Largest City by Area

Moscow is not only the largest city in Europe by population but also the largest by land area. It covers around 2,511 square kilometers, making it one of the largest cities in the world by area.

47. Baikal’s Unique Flora

Lake Baikal, aside from hosting the Baikal seal, is known for its unique flora. The lake’s clear waters support a diverse range of plant life, including the Baikal sponge and various endemic algae species.

48. Russian Ballet Heritage

Russia has a rich ballet tradition, with prestigious companies like the Bolshoi Ballet and the Mariinsky Ballet. Russian ballet is renowned for its technical excellence and artistic expression.

49. Historic Fortress of Novgorod

The Novgorod Kremlin, also known as the Detinets, is a historic fortress in the city of Novgorod. It is one of the oldest and best-preserved kremlins in Russia and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

50. Russian Cuisine

Russian cuisine includes a variety of hearty dishes such as borscht (beet soup), pelmeni (dumplings), and blini (pancakes). Each region has its own culinary specialties that reflect local ingredients and traditions.

Conclusion

In summary, Russia is a land of immense size and remarkable diversity. From its sprawling landscapes and numerous rivers to its rich cultural heritage and historical transformations, Russia offers a wealth of experiences and insights. As a nation with a dynamic past and a complex present, it continues to be a key player on the global stage. Whether you’re intrigued by its vast geography, its unique wildlife, or its deep-rooted history, Russia remains an endlessly fascinating subject of study. What are your thoughts on these incredible facts about Russia? Feel free to share your insights in the comments below!